Effect of Aging Temperature on the Mechanical Properties, Biodegradability, and Cytocompatibility of the as‐Rolled Zn‐3Al‐1Cu Alloy

Abstract

The inherent low strength of zinc (Zn) alloys limits their application, and aging treatment is a method that can be used to improve the properties of Zn alloys significantly. In this work, the effects of aging temperature on microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of the as‐rolled Zn‐3Al‐1Cu alloy are studied. The results show that the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the alloy can be significantly improved by tuning the aging temperature. Through aging treatment, the grain size of the second phase grows and more of the second phase is precipitated, which improves the mechanical properties and plasticity of the as‐rolled Zn‐3Al‐1Cu alloy. The tensile and yield strengths of the as‐rolled Zn‐3Al‐1Cu alloy aged at 80 °C are the highest, which are 206.11 ± 1.63 and 177.57 ± 1.70 MPa, respectively. Conversely, the alloy aged at 160 °C displays the best plasticity, where its elongation reaches 25.66 ± 0.49%. In addition, aging at 160 °C leads to the best corrosion resistance, reaching a corrosion rate obtained by the electrochemical test of 0.0016 mm year−1.